Fishing at Long Lake, Inuvik Region, Northwest Territories

• Overview

  Long Lake sits in Inuvik Region, out in Northwest Territories. The ground round it is open dry country. Roughly 37 hectares: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Inuvik Region. 133 km away sits Inuvik, the nearest town. Beyond it, Dawson City at 428 km and Norman Wells at 503 km. Also on the doorstep: Twin Lakes after 1.9 km and Summit Lake just 2.3 km. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Long Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Survey and observation records for Inuvik Region include Arctic charr. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Anyone new to Long Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 12°C in July and bottom out at -26°C in January. Everything is compressed into the middle of the year. Winter locks it down, and early June brings it back. On average, early June opens the water and early October closes it again. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Plan any trip to Long Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Twin Lakes at 1.9 km is the sensible second choice. Rules at Long Lake are worth checking on the day.